The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will close applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Examination 2026 tomorrow, December 30, 2025 . Students who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers must apply online by 6 PM . This exam is a chance to fill 451 officer positions in various defence academies across India.
The CDS exam helps young people become officers in the Indian military. Through this exam, candidates can join prestigious academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Key Details and Important Dates
Here are the important dates and details for the CDS 1 Exam 2026:
| Application Deadline | December 30, 2025 (by 6 PM) |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 451 |
| Official Website to Apply | upsconline.nic.in |
About the CDS 1 Exam 2026
The CDS 1 exam for 2026 will be held on April 12, 2026 . It is conducted offline, meaning candidates will write their answers using pen and paper. The selection process has two main parts: a written exam and an interview round. Only those who pass the written exam will be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The 451 vacancies are open for different defence services:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Documents Needed to Apply Online
Before filling the online application form, candidates should keep the following documents and details ready:
- Scanned Photograph: A digital copy of your recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned Signature: A digital copy of your signature.
- Class 10th Pass Certificate: Details from your Class 10th mark sheet or certificate.
- Photo-Identity Proof Details: Information from a valid ID like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
- Bank Account Details: Needed for paying the application fee online.
How to Apply for CDS 1 2026
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC website. Follow these simple steps to complete your application:
- Go to the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in .
- On the main page, find and click on the “Account Creation” tab.
- Fill in your basic details to complete the registration process.
- After registering, log in using your registered email ID and password, or your registered mobile number and a One-Time Password (OTP), or your Universal Registration Number (URN) and password.
- Pay the application fee using the available online payment methods.
- Choose your preferred exam centre from the list.
- Carefully check all the details you have entered in the application form.
- Once you are sure all information is correct, submit your CDS 1 application form.
Important Points to Remember
Once you submit your application form, you cannot withdraw it. UPSC will also not allow any changes or corrections to the form after submission. So, make sure to fill in all details correctly before the deadline of December 30, 2025, 6 PM .
